Master of Science in Biology

The goal of the Department of Biology is to provide students with individualized, broad training in biology leading to a Master of Science (MS) degree. Original research is an integral part of both the thesis and non-thesis degree options. Faculty areas of expertise include ecology, physiology, genetics, molecular biology, taxonomy, behavior, and developmental biology of a wide variety of organisms. The MS degree prepares students for employment in industry, private or government agencies, and academics, as well as further education in professional programs, such as the PhD or MD.
We are a diverse, unified department with teaching and research spanning the breadth of biology; from ecosystems to molecular structure, from evolution to cell biology, from systems biology to bioinformatics. Exciting advances are occurring in all areas of biology; the field has never been more interdisciplinary; opportunities abound. We invite you to join us to share in these exciting times.

The applicant’s GPA in undergraduate biology courses will be determined and must be 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale).

Applicants should have a strong background in biology and related disciplines with a minimum of 24 credit hours in biology or related life sciences, including courses in ecology and molecular or cell biology, as well as college-level course work in chemistry and math or statistics. Applicants lacking courses in one or more of these areas may be admitted provisionally and required to complete additional courses during their graduate program as a condition of admission.

English Language Proficiency:

Internet-based TOEFL: 95, IELTS: 7, PTE: 64, Duolingo: 125